Playing the G#maj7 Piano Chord
The G#maj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root G#. It contains 4 notes: G#, C, D#, G. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. Mastering the G#maj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of G#.
Piano Finger Positions for G#maj7
For the G#maj7 seventh chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on G#, middle finger (3) on C, pinky (5) on D#.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on G#, middle finger (3) on C, thumb (1) on D#.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken seventh effect.
G#maj7 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | G# | G# – C – D# – G | Most stable |
| 1st | C | C – D# – G – G# | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | D# | D# – G – G# – C | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of G#maj7
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in G# |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | G# |
| 3rd | Major 3rd | 4 | C |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | D# |
| 7th | Major 7th | 11 | G |
Common Progressions with G#maj7 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: G#maj7 – C#maj7 – D#maj7 – G#maj7 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: G#maj7 – D# – Fm – C# (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: A#m – D# – G#maj7 (jazz turnaround)